Description
The AN/PAS-29A COTI is a civilian-available thermal overlay device that requires a signed End User Agreement before shipment. Manufactured by Safran Optics 1 (NSN 5855-01-582-3974), the COTI enhances night vision devices by adding a thermal image directly into the intensified scene. This hybrid capability significantly improves detection, situational awareness, and operator safety in low-light or obscured environments.
Traditional NVDs offer excellent recognition and detail but depend heavily on ambient light and can struggle in shadows, confined spaces, and bright-light bloom. The COTI’s uncooled LWIR microbolometer (320 × 240, 8–12 μm) detects heat signatures even in complete darkness, allowing users to see through common obscurants such as fog, smoke, snow, rain, and dense foliage. Thermal imaging complements I² by providing detection where standard tubes reach their limits.
The COTI attaches and detaches without tools and works with a wide range of devices including PVS-7, PVS-14, PVS-15, PVS-18, PVS-23, PVS-31, PVS-22, PVS-24, and PVS-26. It offers three selectable modes to match mission requirements:
FULL: A complete thermal overlay offering maximum sensitivity, best for stationary observation.
PATROL: Highlights high-contrast thermal signatures while keeping the image uncluttered for movement.
OUTLINE: Edges heat-producing targets with thermal lines while maintaining full I² detail for identification and IR laser use.
The unit weighs only 5.8 oz. and measures 5.51 x 1.50 x 2.99 inches. It runs on a single CR123A battery (with optional remote pack) for more than 3 hours at 23°C. It is waterproof to 66 feet and built for demanding field use. Optical performance includes a fixed-focus f/1.15 objective, unity magnification, and a centered 20° circular field of view with adjustable brightness and selectable white-hot or black-hot polarity.
Thermal performance enables detection beyond 500 meters and recognition beyond 300 meters. Included items are the COTI, mounting brackets (PVS-7, -14, -23, -15, -18), lens cleaner, battery, storage pouch, operator’s manual, and quick guide. A 1-year warranty is included.
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